How long is the ferry?

The crossing takes about 7 hours.

No, there is no passenger rail service from NL.

Yes, flights are available from St. John's.

Yes, the highways are well-maintained.

What is the best time to travel?

Summer is the best time for travel.

Ottawa

Flight Driving

Calvert to Ottawa

Updated: 31 May 2026

To reach Ottawa from Calvert, you must drive to Port aux Basques, take the ferry to North Sydney, and then drive through Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec, and Ontario. The total distance is approximately 2,500 kilometers. This is a multi-day journey that requires careful planning of ferry and driving segments.

Total Distance: 2,500 km total (900 km drive + 180 km ferry + 1,420 km drive).

Fastest Way

Flying is the quickest way to reach Ottawa from Newfoundland.

Cheapest Way

Driving is the most cost-effective for those traveling with a vehicle.

Compare Calvert to Ottawa Routes

	Flight Connecting	Driving Connecting
Duration	7 hours	30 hours
Avg Price	650-1300 CAD	550-800 CAD (fuel + ferry)
Operator	Air Canada	Marine Atlantic
Route	YYT to YOW	TCH 1 to Ferry, then TCH 104/2/20/417 to Ottawa
Tip	Flights connect through Montreal or Toronto.	Plan for at least three overnight stops.

Travel Tips

Ferry Booking
Book your ferry crossing well in advance.
Highway 417
The main highway into Ottawa is busy; expect traffic.
Time Zones
Ottawa is in the Eastern Time Zone.
Accommodation
Ottawa has many hotels near the downtown core.
Dining
Enjoy diverse cuisine from around the world.

Safety Tips

Ferry Safety
Follow all safety protocols on the Marine Atlantic vessel.
Driving Fatigue
Take frequent breaks during the long drive through the Maritimes.
Weather
Check for ferry delays due to weather in the Cabot Strait.
Emergency
Keep your vehicle in good condition for the long-distance trip.